Blocking out is the process of planning and positioning actors, props, and cameras within a scene to create a visually effective and coherent composition. 

It ensures that movements, interactions, and camera angles support the narrative while maintaining spatial continuity. 

Directors and cinematographers use blocking to guide the audience’s focus, establish relationships between characters, and enhance storytelling. 

Effective blocking considers factors such as depth, eye lines, and body language to create dynamic and engaging visuals. 

By carefully choreographing movement and positioning, filmmakers can control pacing, tension, and the emotional impact of a scene. 

*Consider how much free space you have to work. You need a safe area to position camera, sound and lighting equipment along with key members of the team to operate it all.

*Positioning the subjects in the centre of the room will also help you to get a range of shots with more interesting or a 'softer' background. However this will give you less space for equipment and the team. Blocking out your scene in advance will help you decide the best way to proceed practically, stylistically and safely.   

Crossing the line refers to breaking the 180-degree rule, a fundamental principle in film and TV production that maintains spatial continuity. 

The rule states that when filming a scene, especially a conversation between two characters, the camera should stay on one side of an imaginary line drawn between them. 

If the camera crosses this line, it can cause a disorienting shift in perspective, making characters appear to swap positions on screen. 

While crossing the line is usually avoided to maintain clarity, skilled filmmakers may break the rule intentionally to create confusion, tension, or a sense of unease in the audience. 

*Actors can stand either side of the 'line' but just make sure the camera is on the opposite side. 

*Remember the key tip in the video - if you are filming a group of people, the line is likely to be the same as watching a play with the camera taking the same position as the audience.  

*Ginny has recommended a great app to help plan shoots called SHOOT DESIGNER. 

It's available for Windows & Mac but the iPhone & Android apps are free: https://www.hollywoodcamerawork.com/shot-designer.html 

Update your portfolio with the following information: 

TASK A: SUMMARISE THE CONCEPT OF BLOCKING OUT

TASK B: SHOOT A SHORT SEQUENCE THAT ILLUSTRATES WHEN CROSSING THE LINE GOES WRONG

TASK C: SUMMARISE THE CONCEPT OF CROSSING THE LINE

• Include the video you shot to illustrate 'Crossing The Line' badly..